If you hate love triangles and miscommunication tropes, Horimiya is for you. Two high schoolers who hide different sides of themselves at school discover each other's secrets. The romance progresses naturally and quickly. It is wholesome, realistic, and charming. Looking for something that isn't plastered on every billboard? Try these. 13. Dorohedoro Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror Comedy, Gore Status: Anime (1 Season) / Manga (Completed)
In terms of sheer cultural impact, Attack on Titan is the titan of the 2010s. Set in a world where humanity lives behind massive walls to escape man-eating giants, the series evolves from a desperate survival story into a complex geopolitical tragedy. The animation by Wit Studio and MAPPA is cinematic quality. This is a must-watch for those who like shocking plot twists and moral ambiguity. Genre: Supernatural, Action Status: Anime (Ongoing) / Manga (Ongoing)
Kentaro Miura’s Berserk is often voted the greatest manga of all time. Following the black swordsman Guts, a mercenary with a giant sword and a horrific past, this series defines "dark fantasy." The Golden Age arc is a masterclass in tragedy. The anime adaptations (1997 and 2016) are inferior to the manga. Read the manga for the jaw-dropping art. 6. Vinland Saga Genre: Historical, Epic, Drama Status: Anime (Ongoing) / Manga (Ongoing)
Don’t let the Viking setting fool you; Vinland Saga is a deep philosophical exploration of violence and peace. The first arc (Season 1) is a revenge thriller. The second arc (Season 2) transforms into a meditation on slavery and redemption. The manga is consistently brilliant, and the anime adaptation by Wit Studio is flawless. Genre: Historical, Martial Arts Status: Manga (Hiatus)
